# LXVII explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

> Chapter companion for The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Quilp, unaware of Brass's betrayal, remains in his hermitage working on accounts. On the third day, Mrs. Quilp brings him a letter from Sally Brass warning that Sampson has confessed and strangers will call. Enraged, Quilp fantasizes about drowning Brass, then sends his wife away with Tom Scott, barricades the gates, and prepares to flee through the fog.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Exploitation

Quilp's rage at Brass's betrayal stems from his schemes being exposed, highlighting the ruthless pursuit of gain and the fragility of exploitative alliances.

### Death and Transcendence

Quilp's vivid fantasy of drowning Brass and his preparations for flight underscore the looming threat of death and the desperate attempt to escape it.

## Character check-ins

### Daniel Quilp

Works alone in his hermitage, receives Sally Brass's warning letter, and prepares to flee after learning of Sampson Brass's betrayal.

### Mrs. Quilp

Brings the warning letter to Quilp through the fog, is cruelly taunted, and is sent home with Tom Scott.

### Tom Scott

Attends Quilp, imitates his grimaces, is kicked out and later called back to escort Mrs. Quilp home.

### Sampson Brass

Mentioned in Sally's letter as having 'broken confidence' and confessed, inciting Quilp's murderous rage.

### Sally Brass

Writes the warning letter to Quilp, advising him to disappear as she has done.

## Key lines

> Unconscious of the proceedings faithfully narrated in the last chapter, and little dreaming of the mine which had been sprung beneath him... Mr. Quilp remained shut up in his hermitage, undisturbed by any suspicion, and extremely well satisfied with the result of his machinations.

Quilp, unaware of Brass's confession, stays in his hideout feeling pleased with his schemes.

_Sets the ironic tone as Quilp's confidence contrasts with the impending threat._

> I should drown him... Just to take him to the brink, coaxingly and pleasantly—holding him by the buttonhole—joking with him—and with a sudden push, to send him splashing down!

Quilp imagines luring Brass to the river and pushing him in, savoring the thought of his drowning struggles.

_Reveals Quilp's sadistic nature and his murderous fury at Brass's betrayal._

> Has this letter any connection with dear little Nell? I must ask you that—I must indeed, Quilp. You cannot think what days and nights of sorrow I have had through having once deceived that child.

Mrs. Quilp pleads to know if the letter involves Nell, expressing guilt over her past deception.

_Shows Mrs. Quilp's lingering remorse and connects the plot back to Nell's fate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters